You will please to inform their lordships, that, early this morning, a despatch-boat joined me from Gibraltar, with intelligence that three French line-of-battle ships and a frigate were seen, on the 1st instant, endeavouring to pass the Straits from the eastward; and the Plymouth lugger has since joined me, whose commander informs me that they anchored yesterday off Algeziras. As from the different accounts I form great hopes of being able to attack them with success, I am proceeding to the eastward, and I hope to reach the bay early to-morrow morning. The ships in Cadiz are getting in forwardness to put to sea. Eight appeared this morning with top-gallant yards across and sails bent, and four others with their top-masts rigged. I have directed the commander of the Plymouth, hired lugger, after having landed this letter at Faro, to cruise off Cape St. Mary's to apprise any of his Majesty's ships of my rendezvous, giving them such further information as he may be possessed of.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
James Saumarez.
Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty.
Cæsar, off Cadiz, 5th July 1801.
Sir,
I have the honour to acquaint you with my having this instant received information, by an express from Gibraltar, that three sail of French line-of-battle ships and a frigate had anchored yesterday in Algeziras Bay, after being three days in endeavouring to pass the Straits from the eastward. They are supposed to be destined for Cadiz. I am proceeding off Gibraltar, in hopes it may be practicable to attack them, or prevent the junction of their other ships, from whom they are said to be separated. I request you will please to forward the letters I take the liberty to enclose herewith. I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
James Saumarez.